February is National Heart Month for the American Heart Association, and its Go Red For Women movement is working hard to create awareness and share the message of prevention about heart disease in women. A luncheon on Feb. 22 at 11 a.m. at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in New Orleans will celebrate Heart Month and the 10th anniversary of the National Wear Red Day initiative that launched Go Red For Women.

Kayci Reyer

The Go Red For Women movement was designed to combat the perception that heart disease only effects older men and has a focus on educating and supporting women who have had experiences with heart disease.

“We encourage people to take our online quiz to get their heart health number. Heart disease is the number one killer of women, more deadly than all forms of cancer combined, and 90 percent of women have at least one risk factor for it,” said Linzy Cotaya, Communications Director of American Heart Association Louisiana. “Our program targets all women who don’t know that heart disease is a threat at any age and with any lifestyle.”

Kayci Reyer, a 21-year-old student at Tulane University and heart disease survivor, is as a spokesperson for the Go Red For Women movement. At just 15, Reyer was diagnosed with Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT), a condition where extra tissue had formed in her heart and was hindering it from beating correctly. After taking daily medications and living a stimulant-free lifestyle for four years and still suffering both minor and major attacks, Reyer made the brave decision to undergo a surgical procedure to remove most of the extra tissue.

“Before my surgery two years ago I was always exhausted, but this past fall I ran a 5K race and it removed all of the fears I had living with heart disease. It was one of my proudest moments and a very big deal to celebrate a functioning body and everything it can do,” said Reyer.

Reyer plans to celebrate her two year post-operation anniversary on Lundi Gras this year and looks forward to speaking at the Go Red For Women luncheon. She feels like the American Heart Association has truly embraced her and wants to encourage supporters to continue to make better heart-healthy choices and to look at all of their options.

“All women should be concerned about heart disease. We have to take care of ourselves and remember that a large percentage of heart disease is preventable. Now is the time for all women to build a healthy foundation for their bodies and invest in a healthy lifestyle because it will pay off in the end.”

Essence Harris Banks

Essence Harris Banks, a 37- year-old heart disease survivor, will also be sharing her story at Go Red For Women’s luncheon. At 30, Banks was a personal trainer, full-time Entergy employee, single mother, and volunteered at several organizations when she was diagnosed with coronary artery disease. Now she understands that even being physically in shape is only one element of heart disease and has since reevaluated and re-prioritized her lifestyle to be more heart healthy.

“As women, we need to know and listen to our bodies and take charge of our health, diets and lifestyles. Especially in New Orleans with such easy access to rich foods, as well as being a capital for heart disease and high poverty levels, women don’t always know the importance of or think about eating fresh fruits and veggies, nor can many afford it,” said Harris Banks. “It’s necessary for all women, especially African American women as we have many of the symptoms of heart disease and don’t address it, to know the meaning of moderation and a healthy lifestyle.”

According to a recent report from the American Heart Association, heart disease and stroke account for 30.9 percent of deaths in Louisiana and nation-wide is the No. 1 cause of death in women. The report states that nearly 60.9 percent of women in Louisiana are obese and overweight and 19.1 percent smoke cigarettes, factors that Go Red For Women hopes to address with their movement for a healthier lifestyle.

The upcoming luncheon will provide attendees with inspiration through testimonials from heart disease survivors as well a health screening and tips on how to lead a heart-healthy lifestyle. A silent auction and a fashion show will also be held and various vendors will be present.

“It’s important to spread the message about heart disease and prevention to the women of New Orleans as we ourselves are not only at risk but we also often hold the role of caregivers to our children,” said Cotaya. “We want Go Red For Women and Heart Month to be something that people look forward to every year as we watch the numbers go down and celebrate that achievement.”